Slipknot have just wrapped up the touring cycle for their comeback album, .5: The Gray Chapter which was released two years ago. In a new interview about his first feature film, "Officer Downe", Slipknot percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan revealed that the writing process will commence for the next Slipknot album in February.

Russian doomsters Wine From Tears are currently in the studio working on a new album, their third, titled I'm Fine. The forthcoming album will be the follow-up to Glad To Be Dead which was released back in 2013. The release date of the new album hasn't been confirmed yet.

German pagan black metal act Thormesis has completed the work on their fifth longplayer, which will be released in early 2017 via MDD Records. The band self-recorded and produced the successor of Freier Wille - Freier Geist. The album's artwork will be created by Bloodboy and Hubert Dürr (Internus). Most album details are still under wraps, so expect more news shortly.

Just recently, Virginia metallers Lamb Of God unveiled the details about their new EP, The Duke, which is in the memory of Wayne Ford, a fan Randy Blythe first met at a show a few years ago. Ford was suffering from leukemia and it left a profound impact on him. More details can be found here. Today, they have released that new song called "The Duke". You can listen to it below.

Randy Blythe, vocalist of Lamb Of God, shares the story of Wayne Ford, a fan he first met at a show a few years ago. Wayne was engaged in a battle against leukemia that he ultimately lost in early 2015. Randy Blythe and Wayne Ford fast became friends during their time together and his life and cancer fight inspired a song entitled "The Duke", which was recorded during Lamb Of God's sessions for the band's latest album, VII: Sturm Und Drang. "The Duke" didn't appear on the album, instead an EP for that track titled The Duke is set for a December 2nd release date.

Vocalist Tarek of Majesty has recently announced that the band is currently working on thier upcoming new album, which will be released worldwide at the beginning of 2017 via NoiseArt Records. Furthermore the band also announced a short film for one of the new songs. For this ambitious project the band needs the support from everyone who is into film-making. So if you are ready to support the band on this unique cinematic project, write an e-mail to movie@metalentertainment.de. Stay tuned for more info.

Hatebreed has extended the band's relationship with Nuclear Blast Records and signed a brand new deal worldwide. The hardcore group previously released The Divinity Of Purpose through Nuclear Blast in Europe, and now the band has chosen to broaden that relationship and extend the contract to North America.

In 2012, Lamb Of God singer Randy Blythe was arrested in the Czech Republic and charged with manslaughter for allegedly pushing 19-year-old Daniel Nosek offstage at a show two year prior and causing injuries that led to the fan's tragic death. In his memoir, Dark Days, the singer Randy Blythe reveals what he remembers of the 2010 show where a Czech fan was fatally injured. Blythe relates the tale of his ordeal during incarceration, trial, and eventual acquittal. The book comes out on July 14th on Da Capo Press.

Black Sabbath's bassist Geezer Butler was put behind bars after he apparently got into a bar brawl in Death Valley, California on Tuesday night. The heavy metal legend was arrested on charges of misdemeanor assault, public intoxication and vandalism. The incident occurred at the Corkscrew Saloon in Death Valley National Park. According to a sheriff's report, an argument led to "an individual being struck" and a "broken window." Butler spent the night in jail and was subsequently released following a detox and citation.

Funeral doom/death quartet Lycus has signed to Relapse Records. The band will now enter Atomic Garden Studios in Palo Alto, California this April to record their second full-length, to follow Tempest, and Relapse debut. The album should be released sometime next fall. You can start preparing for new material from the group. Are you excited about it?

Yes, it's true. Poland's death metallers Decapitated have announced that the band is currently in the rehearsal room working on new material for an upcoming album, with studio time to commence soon. This new album will follow 2011's Carnival Is Forever with further details to be revealed in due time.

Heavy metal warriors Christian Mistress have announced a special performance at this year's SXSW alongside a series of West Coast tour dates. After a brief hiatus, these dates mark the band's first proper North American tour dates in support of their second album Possession. The band will be testing out some new riffage on the road as Christian Mistress will be entering the studio this May to record a third album.

Torche, the Florida-meets-Georgia quartet whose last album was Harmonicraft (2012), has now signed with Relapse Records. The band is currently recording at Pinecrust Studio in Miami with Nunez serving as producer and Converge's Kurt Ballou mixing the album. The as-of-yet untitled album is expected to come out this summer.

Deadlock are currently in the studio working on new material, which will follow their 2013 album The Arsonist. At the beginning of the year, the German metallers promised a very special new Deadlock album in 2014 and now the recordings are underway.